Inclusive Schools Week 2022

AESD Network, along with many other schools and organizations throughout the nation celebrate Inclusive School Week^TM during the first week in December. The Week highlights the progress that schools have made in implementing inclusive practices to ensure a quality education for an increasingly diverse student population. Inclusive Schools Week provides an important opportunity for educators, students, and parents to discuss what else needs to be done in order to ensure that their schools continue to improve their ability to successfully educate all children.

Inclusive Schools Week^TM is organized by the Inclusive Schools Network at Stetson & Associates, Inc. More information, including media kit materials can be found at inclusiveschools.org

Inclusionary practices give all students the opportunity to learn, be supported, and be challenged. The term refers to the instructional and behavioral strategies that improve academic and social-emotional outcomes for each and every student with and without disabilities. Implementing inclusive and equitable practice is transforming education and increasing student achievement as well as student and family sense of community and belonging.

Student Outcomes

AESD Network Inclusionary Practices Project (IPP) is in its 4th year of supporting over 140 school leadership teams in implementing inclusive practices. Building leaders engaged in the project have so much to be celebrating this year around shifts in staff mindset and professional capacity to better serve diverse learners.

Engaged school teams report improved student outcomes in the areas of: attendance, engagement, assessment scores, and social/emotional health. For example, one high school OESD 114 has seen a 15.9% increase in graduation rates and another is able to ensure 100% of students have access to physical and mental health services at tiers 1, 2, and 3. Another elementary in ESD 112 reports its kindergarten students earned the highest scores in the district with teachers reporting 2021-22 as their best year of teaching yet. A school in NWESD 189 reports a significant increase in more fully including their students with IEPs in the general education setting, moving from self contained programming to all students spending 75% or more of their day in general education resulting in huge academic gains. Finally, a high school in PSESD 121 launched a podcast for their building, in which they interview teachers who are currently working to integrate UDL practices. Coaches interview these teachers about strategies that work, what shifts they see in their students, and how they communicate with families.

IPP Coordinators honor the incredible work of school teams around the state and continue to work in partnership to scale implementation of inclusive education!

Interested in learning more?

Visit our website to find resources, professional learning opportunities, or to connect with the IPP Coordinator in your region!

Or consider joining us for the free 3 Part Virtual Professional Learning Series: Zooming In and Out on Inclusionary Practices with Dr. Katie Novak and Shelley Moore. Visit this website for more information and to register for the event.